Gu Qinlan couldn't resist the temptation of the familiar and enticing aroma and quickly picked up her bowl and chopsticks to feast.
Seeing how much she enjoyed her meal, Madam Liang smiled broadly, her eyes narrowing into slits.
After finishing a bowl of medicinal food, Gu Qinlan pulled Liang up and began chatting casually.
Liang was naturally talkative, and her speech was humorous and witty. She recounted all sorts of strange and wonderful stories from Lingnan, which captivated the maids in the room.
Just as the two were chatting enthusiastically, the nanny from Princess Duan's courtyard came in.
"Madam, Aunt, the old lady has learned of your arrival and would like to invite you over for a chat."
Lady Liang has not yet had the opportunity to pay her respects to Princess Duan.
Logically, as Gu Qinlan's maternal uncle's family, the Duan Prince's Mansion should have personally visited the Jiang family. However, given the vast difference in status between the Jiang family and the Duan Prince's Mansion, it was quite reasonable for the Duan Princess to send someone to invite Lady Liang.
Gu Qinlan said, "Please trouble you to tell my mother that I will go with my aunt later."
After the messenger left, Madam Liang said softly, "I came in such a hurry that I didn't prepare any gifts. Will your mother-in-law blame you for this?"
Gu Qinlan comforted her, "There's no need to worry. When your aunt is with people her own age, she doesn't need to be overly concerned about these trivial matters. If she really wants to nitpick, we don't need to back down. We can give her a taste of her own medicine."
Madam Liang couldn't help but cover her mouth and laugh: "Your personality is truly inherited from your uncle. If your mother had a personality like yours, perhaps things wouldn't have turned out this way..."
When the woman who died young was mentioned, Mrs. Liang's eyes dimmed.
Taking the opportunity, Gu Qinlan asked, "Aunt, what kind of person is my mother?"
Madam Liang was lost in her memories: "She was an extremely gentle and soft-hearted woman, not good at fighting with others. When the Gu family proposed to her, your uncle was firmly against it. Your mother's gentle nature made her easily hurt, and at that time the Gu family's business was in great trouble. But your maternal grandfather was stubborn and insisted on letting your mother marry into the Gu family."
"After much discussion, your uncle and I carefully planned and allocated almost all of our family's savings as her dowry, hoping that this generous dowry would help the Gu family prosper. We held onto a sliver of hope that the Gu family would treat your mother well in the future because of this deep affection, but unexpectedly..."
Gu Qinlan waved for the maids inside to leave, then turned to Madam Liang and asked, "Mother, are any of the servants who accompanied you back then still around?"
Madam Liang frowned and replied with a puzzled look, "I'm afraid it won't be easy. What do you mean?"
Gu Qinlan's expression was solemn, and she spoke frankly: "Aunt, I have an ominous feeling in my heart. My mother's passing may not have been accidental."
Shocked, Madam Liang's teacup trembled slightly as she eagerly asked, "What makes you say that?"
Gu Qinlan calmly said, "I have discovered several clues. Since the Jiang family suffered a misfortune, the Gu family has taken over the Jiang family's business and connections."
Madam Liang's face turned ashen: "Qin Lan, are you telling the truth?"
Gu Qinlan nodded firmly: "Absolutely true. Aunt, I suspect that from the time my mother was proposed to, to the decline and exile of the Jiang family, all of this was a carefully planned conspiracy by the Gu family. However, I do not yet have any conclusive evidence."
Liang trembled involuntarily. If Gu Qinlan's speculation was true, the truth would be terrifying.
On that day, they gave their all to marry Jiang into the Gu family, hoping to help her turn her life around. Unexpectedly, the Gu family turned against them, not only killing Jiang but also destroying the entire Jiang family!
Gu Qinlan held her hand tightly and comforted her, "Aunt, you don't need to be too agitated. I have already begun to investigate this matter. Although many clues have become hard to find over time, there will always be traces that have been overlooked."
Liang was overwhelmed with anger: "Qinlan, if what you say comes true, how do you plan to deal with it?"
Although the Gu family is not benevolent, they are ultimately Gu Qinlan's roots.
Gu Qinlan's eyes flashed with cold light: "They should pay for their crimes in blood."
Her feelings for the Gu family had long been worn away by the suffering of her previous life. Only in the final moments of her life did she learn that her mother's death was likely related to her father and the Song family.
Just as Gu Qinlian and Ji Yinli conspired to harm her!
Therefore, the Gu family has two blood feuds against her! It has also implicated her uncle's family.
She never had the chance to settle this score in her past life, and she will never let it go easily in this one.
“Aunt, please go back and tell Uncle to be careful on his journey. I will entrust Polang to help me find out the truth of what happened back then.”
Time flies, and the past has faded with time. To trace its footsteps and explore it on one's own is undoubtedly a difficult task.
However, Po Lang is different from others. With the Golden Saber Sect as her solid backing, exploring old stories, even secrets spanning a hundred years, is not a problem for her.
Mr. Liang nodded solemnly and earnestly to show his agreement.
After calming themselves down, the two entered Princess Duan's courtyard.
As soon as they stepped into the courtyard, Princess Duan greeted them warmly, her voice full of joy: "Cousin-in-law, please come in, tea will be served inside."
Originally, Lady Liang thought that Princess Duan would put on airs, but she did not expect her to be so kind and approachable.
With a smile, Madam Liang bowed to Princess Duan and said, "Greetings, Madam. My visit today was rather hasty. If I have been impolite, I hope you will forgive me."
Princess Duan smiled warmly and said, "We're all family, there's no need to stand on ceremony. Come, let's go inside."
After they sat down, Princess Duan pulled Lady Liang to her feet, and they talked about everything from the local customs and culture of Xiangyang to the strange tales of Lingnan.
At first, Madam Liang thought that Princess Duan wanted to find out some information from her, but after talking for a while, she became convinced that Princess Duan was just lonely for a long time and longed to find a confidante of the same age to talk about everyday life.
Although Princess Consort Duan married into a wealthy family, she came from a humble background and was neglected within the Duan Prince's residence. She also found it difficult to integrate into the social circle of officials' wives in Jindu City. Over the years, she had not even had anyone to confide in.
Upon learning of Liang's arrival, she had an idea. On the one hand, Liang had traveled extensively and was knowledgeable. On the other hand, Liang's status was not as high as hers, so she felt no pressure in her company and was not afraid of being ridiculed for making inappropriate remarks.
Gu Qinlan understood Princess Duan's intentions, so she left Liang Shi in her courtyard without worry, while she went to handle other important matters.
Upon returning to her residence, Gu Qinlan immediately sent someone to summon Polang.
"Breaking Waves, let's make a deal."
After Po Lang sat down, Gu Qinlan got straight to the point and explained her purpose.
Po Lang leaned against the table, her hand supporting her cheek, and gave a charming smile: "Madam is too modest. My master instructed us to assist you, so you can ask me to do anything you want."
Gu Qinlan was captivated by Po Lang's charm. Although she had known Po Lang for many days, she was still conquered by Po Lang's stunning beauty and captivating charm.
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